Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has decided to stay in north London and is excited about the prospect of working with Ange Postecoglou.
Who leaves Spurs?
The Lilywhites have moved quickly to confirm some big additions for Postecoglou, perhaps most notably Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal from Juventus, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison.
The latter duo in particular represent major coups for Spurs, especially given that Vicario cost just £17.4m to win away from Empoli, while Maddison’s signing only set Tottenham back £40m.
After signing both men, Postecoglou drew particular attention to their attitudes and elite mentalities, with the Australian declaring they are exactly what the club needs.
“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers,” said the former Celtic boss.
“That’s what they bring as people as well because we’re going to play football that requires a certain kind of personality and character.
“Both of these guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew they were the right guys to bring into the dressing room .”
However, to make room for these players, some team members may be deemed surplus. Indeed, Hugo Lloris, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele are believed to be shortlisted to follow Harry Winks out the door.
Lucas Moura and Arnaut Danjuma also left north London, with Dier one of the names linked with a potential exit this summer. However, a new report has shed light on the Englishman’s situation, and it contradicts reports.
Sharing an update on the 29-year-old and his future, reliable Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed he wants to stay at N17, while relishing the prospect of working with Postecoglou.
Gold wrote for football.london:
“Eric Dier, who has 12 months left on his contract and returned to training at Hotspur Way this week following groin surgery at the end of last season, has no intention of leaving the club this summer and is excited about the season ahead under Postecoglou.”
What has been said about Eric Dier?
The defender has endured his fair share of criticism over the past 12 months, with members of the media calling him “very poor” and “nowhere near the level required” for Spurs to succeed.
However, when the former Sporting Lisbon star is at his best, he can be a useful asset for Postecoglou. Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, speaking after the 2020 draw with Burnley, praised Dier for his versatility and attitude.
“I think it’s a matter of self-esteem and confidence.” Mourinho said.
“Playing so well at centre-back, boosting confidence and he goes to midfield and was very, very good. Very very good.
“When people asked about his state of mind, I think they don’t need to ask again because I think he was very, very good.”
